Researchers have come up with an action plan for San Diego County to use in preparing for climate change. A UC-San Diego scientist says it's the first plan of this type at the county level in California. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Are you concerned about growth in San Diego County? If so, you might want to check out the first draft of the County's General Plan Update, which was released last Friday. Host Alison St. John speaks to a representative from the County about the General Plan Update. One of the highlights from this most recent update, is a plan to reduce growth by 15 percent.

The Orchids and Onions awards ceremony celebrating San Diego's built environment took place last Thursday. We'll talk about the winners and losers with some of the jurors who doled out the praise and the barbs.

The San Diego City Council will hold a public hearing this afternoon to discuss two proposed water rate increases for the city. One of the proposed increases is due to an increase in the water rates from the San Diego County Water Authority, which is the agency that provides imported water to the city. The second proposed rate increase would pay for a "Demonstration Project to help determine the feasibility of using reclaimed drinking water to augment local drinking water supplies." Host Alison St. John speaks to Jim Barrett, Director of Public Utilities for the City of San Diego, about the proposed rate increases. We also speak with Bruce Reznik, from San Diego Coastkeeper, about the water reclamation pilot project.

What options do California lawmakers have for cutting down the state's $27.8 billion budget deficit? Host Alison St. John speaks to Marianne Russ, with Capital Public Radio, about the debate over how to close the state's budget gap. We also discuss a plan in Sacramento to reduce the number of foreclosures in California.

We'll talk about Sushi's new digs downtown and their upcoming season as well as a farce currently on stage at North Coast Rep. San Diego Rep features a play from Culture Clash and we'll preview some holiday plays on this Weekend Preview.

The San Diego Natural History Museum has a new exhibit called "The Art of Robert Bateman." A renowned wildlife painter and conservationist, Bateman will talk about his 70-plus years of painting the natural world and his efforts to bring attention to the need to protect it. We'll also talk with the exhibit's curator.

Both labor and business groups are voicing concerns over the Governor's plan to fix the state Unemployment Insurance Fund. He's called on lawmakers to address the issue in this month's special legislative session. From Sacramento, Jenny O'Mara reports.

On a chilly afternoon in Pittsburgh, the San Diego Chargers fell to a strong AFC foe. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris. He'll tell us if he thinks the erratic Chargers are still have hopes of a playoff bid.

A group of volunteers in San Diego County will be testing the waters along the beaches and other waterways next weekend. It's part of an effort to assess the health and quality of the water. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.